Sun could set on law that helps solar industry

Members of the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance are concerned about the sun setting on a law that helps the state's solar power industry.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Members of the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance are concerned about the sun setting on a law that helps the state's solar power industry.

A bill filed in the state house would repeal a 2007 law that mandates that North Carolina electric companies generate a percentage of their power through renewable resources.

John Donoghue owns Cape Fear Solar Systems. He said the law has helped the industry grow; right now, North Carolina is the 5th largest producer of solar energy. Solar energy has created nearly 25,000 jobs in the state.

He said repealing the law would hurt business.

According to reports, sponsors of the bill said the law equates to a government entitlement program for private industry and the state and taxpayers end up footing the bill.

Professors and students in Cape Fear Community College's Sustainable Technology Program are writing letters to members of the local delegation in the General Assembly, asking them to not support the measure that would repeal the law.